Design and Development of Research Level Microgrid Controller for Resilient and Sustainable Energy Management

Due to the sustainability requirements demanded by the world community, renewable energy-based power supply is highly appreciated at the consumer level. Also, the resiliency of the power supply is considered to ensure power system security. Microgrids are becoming role models of novel grid improvement and extension strategies due to their high controllability and ability to implement high-level grid functions, subjected to sustainability and resiliency. One of the key methods of establishing microgrids is by upgrading the existing distribution system into a controllable microgrid with required functionalities. Since this type of microgrid can be operated in either grid-connected or islanded modes, the microgrid controller plays a crucial role inside the microgrid setup. Smart Grid Research Lab (SGRL) of the University of Moratuwa is facilitated with 30kW research-level microgrid components and this paper discusses how the controlling structure of that microgrid is developed. This study comprises of two major components: simulation and hardware development. The simulation is conducted using a Real-Time Digital Simulator (RTDS). Furthermore, the hardware-level developments for establishing the microgrid controllers are based on the simulated outputs obtained from various case studies.